The Iraqi workers endure heat while continuing their daily jobs despite extreme temperatures. In markets, restaurants, and bakeries, workers face intense flames and scorching heat to earn a living.
One worker flips fish over burning wood while wiping sweat from his face. The heat from glowing embers and ovens is nearly unbearable. Another worker, Hussam Abbas, wears multiple shirts, a thick cloth over his face, gloves, and glasses to protect himself from the intense fire.
Moreover, Abbas explains that heavy clothing helps shield him from burns and heat. He told Shafaq News that bakeries and grilling work never stops, regardless of how high temperatures climb. Work only halts if the employer decides, as no official regulations require stopping due to heat.
Furthermore, Abbas points out that stopping work hurts daily and weekly wage earners because unpaid days affect their income.
Extended exposure to heat and fire causes many workers to suffer skin injuries and other health problems. Unfortunately, authorities have yet to act on improving these harsh conditions.
According to Iraqi labor laws, employers must provide safety equipment. However, these laws mostly remain unimplemented in the private sector.
Another baker, Karim Farhan, shared his experience with Shafaq News. He has worked in bakeries and grilling for 15 years under all conditions. Farhan has suffered multiple burns and hospital stays due to smoke inhalation and heat.
Additionally, Farhan said ovens and grills reach 50 degrees Celsius, combined with the weather’s heat, pushing workers to endure near-boiling conditions. Despite this, he never complains, saying he must support his family. He added in local dialect, “For life, I endure everything.”
Iraqi workers endure heat Workers often spend 7 to 12 hours daily in front of the fire. Many quit grilling fish during summer due to unbearable heat, but Farhan remains committed despite the health risks.
Fish restaurant owner Abdulaziz Abdulwahid told Shafaq News he cannot close his restaurant during high heat because it’s his livelihood. He sympathizes with his workers and often replaces those who quit or get injured.
Legal expert Nour Eddin Mahdi explained that Iraq’s 2015 labor law mandates workplace safety, health measures, and training on avoiding occupational hazards. Employers must also provide medical aid supplies, regular health checkups, and personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.
Doctors confirm that standing near ovens and grills for long hours causes blood circulation problems, high blood pressure, leg swelling, back pain, muscle cramps, and other health issues.
Star Aldanbous, head of Iraq’s General Federation of Trade Unions, said no formal complaints have reached the union about bakeries or fish grilling despite the hard work. He urged workers and employers to understand social security laws as they benefit everyone.
Trade unions actively inspect workplaces, guide employers on safety measures, and report workers’ health cases. Still, many workers avoid complaints due to fear of job loss, lack of trust in unions, and frustration with workplace conditions.
